Photograph of African-American Soldiers
This photograph depicts African-American soldiers at a Civil War camp in Johnsonville, Tennessee. The men shown are standing on a railroad car. Also visible are full wagons, lumber, railroad tracks, and tents with fireplaces.
Dates
- circa 1864
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite, and a minimum of 2 business days are needed to retrieve these items for use. Researchers interested in consulting any of the collections are advised to contact Special Collections.
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
This photograph depicts African-American soldiers at a Civil War camp in Johnsonville, Tennessee. The men shown are standing on a railroad car. Also visible are full wagons, lumber, railroad tracks, and tents with fireplaces.
Biographical/Historical Note
Congress began allowing African-Americans to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1862. Over 180,000 free African-Americans and runaway slaves (about 10% of the Army) served during the Civil War. On April 12, 1864, General Nathan Bedford Forrest led his Confederate troops against the Union-held Fort Pillow in Tennessee, occupied by 292 black and 285 white soldiers. Only 62 black Union troops survived, and many believe the Confederates massacred the black soldiers. In the Battle of New Market Heights, Virginia, on September 29, 1864, the (black) 18th Corps charged the Confederates, incurring a numerous casualties. Fourteen of the sixteen African-Americans who won the Medal of Honor during the Civil War fought in this battle.
Arrangement
This collection consists of a single folder.
Acquisition Note
Special Collections purchased this photograph in January of 2007.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository